News

Make your voice heard in regional fuel inquiry

09 August 2017

Member for Euroa and Deputy Leader of The Nationals Steph Ryan has urged families and businesses across the Euroa electorate to make their voices heard in a parliamentary inquiry into regional fuel prices.

Nationals and Liberal MPs fought hard to establish the inquiry, which will work to provide regional Victorians with answers on how petrol prices are determined in country areas.

Ms Ryan said local motorists felt they had been left in the dark.

“For many regional Victorians, public transport just isn’t an option and private transport is their only reliable means of getting from A to B,” Ms Ryan said.

“Many people have raised concerns with me about high fuel prices and the perceived difference between county and city areas.

“Unlike other investigations into petrol prices, the spotlight will be on regional Victorian communities and what can be done to relieve the pressure high fuel prices add to the cost-of-living.”

The inquiry will compare the price of unleaded, diesel and LPG fuels in regional communities with metropolitan areas and other regional communities. It will also look at the impacts on country families, businesses and industry.

Shadow Minister for Consumer Affairs Emma Kealy said in many country areas travel wasn’t as easy as getting on a tram or a public bus.

“Fuel is just one of the rising costs of living putting pressure on Victorian families and businesses,” Ms Kealy said.

“I look forward to the results this Liberal-Nationals inquiry will bring country people.”

Parliament’s Economic, Education, Jobs and Skills Committee includes The Nationals’ Member for Mildura Peter Crisp.